Splendid
SHORT FILMS
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Spirit of Place is the first film to implement Equity’s Green Rider and explores our relationship with the natural world through the eyes of its two young protagonists. Exploring the UK’s vital and under-appreciated wetlands habitats, the film seeks to encourage everyone to reconnect with nature and consider their relationship with the world around them. Through chance encounters and some curious discoveries, the two young protagonists begin to learn about themselves and their own relationship with the natural world. On the Edge, a media and conservation not-for-profit and the film’s producers, is committed to reconnecting people with nature so that they might fall in love with it and help us to protect it and Spirit of Place is a visual representation of that mission, designed to create an emotional response for everyone who watches it.
Ivan Moreira
A Radical Guide to Reality, is a short film for young people and truth seekers of all ages. It shares how scientific breakthroughs and evidence at all scales of existence, is converging with universal wisdom teachings, to reveal that our entire Universe meaningfully exists and purposefully evolves as an interdependent and unified entity; inviting us to re-member who we really are – and who we can evolve to become.
Lucy McNulty, Emma Pollard
When Sam splits up with her partner, she is forced to move back into her childhood home with her mother and neurodivergent brother. When depression sinks in, her brother Emmett gets in her face trying to cheer her up and in doing so makes everything worse. But when Emmett is confronted with a situation at a baseball game where he is called a chicken, Sam rises to the challenge to come to his aid and is reminded of what is truly important. Chicken features a neurodivergent cast and crew and is written and directed by women.
Tor Kristoffersen
I’ve been part of climate groups for years — I’ve gone to meetings, marched and organised and find it deeply concerning that we just carry on destroying the ecosystem we need to survive. We’ve wiped out 69% of bio diversity since 1970, are currently 1.1 degrees above pre industrial levels and according to the IPCC have to reduce our fossil fuel emissions by 43% by 2030 or we’ll lose the world as we know it.
As the younger generation become increasingly alarmed groups such as ‘Extinction Rebellion’, ‘Insulate Britain’ and ‘Just stop Oil’ are demanding action. In response the government has introduced draconian laws to control protest while green lighting new oil licenses and coal mines.
We are truly at a crossroads where we can continue along a path to climate breakdown or change our direction.
It was this that inspired ‘Direct Action’, the story of Emily Phillips leading a march against a local coal mine only to face staunch opposition from her father, the police and government — where the changes in law are making it perilous to protest and any attempt to argue against climate breakdown is seen as fanatical. Direct Action is a coming of age drama but it’s also about our country’s direction and the kind of society we want to live in.
Missy Bell
A bedraggled young wanderer lives completely isolated in a desolate world until reviewing past choices forces a call for help.
Cara Bamford
Talia loves nature. Endlessly curious, she finds new ways to slip out of the house – pushing her boundaries to explore the world beyond her front garden. Caught out on her latest adventure; her father forbids her to leave the house without his permission.
Lonely and bored, Talia soon discovers that the lady next door shares her curiosity for the wilderness through her beautiful garden. Over the fence, Talia and Fareeda share their stories, and in doing so, their collective grief for all they have lost – striking up an unusual friendship along the way.
We made this film with nature and community at its heart, from the script to the screen, sustainability has led our decision making, both creatively and logistically.
Certified as a sustainable production by BAFTA’s Albert initiative, we wanted to show that even micro-budget, short films can be made with a greener, more sustainable approach; outreaching to local talent and keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible through using second-hand props and clothes, engaging with local businesses and charities, working with natural light and walking or sharing transport, where we could.
Leon Lopez
Beholden is a very important film and one that we feel is needed in society at the present time, as it explores the effects of childhood trauma and resulting consequences in adult life. It can be no coincidence that a high 41% of prisoners have experienced violence as a child, demonstrating how vital our childhood experiences are in our adult development.
Our film was born when we became interested in why people, who come from the same backgrounds, can end up on completely different paths in life. This led us to look at several issues. Firstly, to expose the negative judgement often placed upon criminals, when they are, more often than not, just a product of their environment and upbringing – shown through the character of Lee. Additionally, we want the film to inspire anyone who has had a difficult childhood, so they may have the chance at a better future. This is chiefly shown through the character of Carlie who, being from a tough working-class background, does not only succeed, but goes above and beyond what anyone expected her to achieve. The film also explores how important love is in someone’s survival: perhaps having just one person who believes in you can make all the difference.
The issues in this film are universal as it is our shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of children as they are the future adults who will be responsible for our planet and world issues.
Gerald Geier
Remember the Future tells a radically different story about our shared tomorrow. In 2073, an activist reflects on what inspired her to fight for a liveable future, the challenges she faced, and how humanity managed to save the Earth’s climate.
The climate emergency is the biggest challenge our species has ever faced, and affects every corner of our planet. While 75% of young people are frightened of the future because of this harsh truth, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of apathy.
The short film challenges the narrative of doom by offering a science-based yet optimistic outlook, showing that all the solutions we need already exist and what is possible when we dare to act. It is a story not of fear, but of hope—one that inspires us all to work together towards a sustainable future. Because our actions today will have an impact for centuries to come.
Ray Jacobs
In her heart Astrid knows…Home is calling…
But where is home, a flat in North Slough or the fantastical island of Zaftra ?
The Secret Life of Astrid North is a tale of magical realism to be witnessed and shared.
It is a tale of knowing deep down who you are and your journey to that place.
Arty Party produced this film to share the diverse, creative skills and voices of our creative team with learning disabilities to people around the world.
Our cast of actors and writers with disabilities worked to adapt this story (originally written by fantasy novelist Jeff Vandermeer) to disrupt stereotypes about people with disabilities. To show people with learning disabilities living strong, complex, soulful and successful lives.
The script was devised by the cast and resonates with their lives in many ways, the struggle to be heard, to be taken seriously and to have sovereignty over their own lives.
The Secret Life of Queen Astrid is part of a series of Secret Lives films produced by Arty Party that has found success across the globe receiving many awards and highlighted the lives and stories of people with learning disabilities in a new light.
Maxime Bonett, Yorgo Glynatsis
UNRAVEL focuses on the critical role of therapy and mental health in overcoming emotional struggles, with an emphasis on addressing childhood trauma. Mental health is a universal concern, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Therapy can offer a path to healing, helping individuals process complex emotions and break free from the lasting effects of early trauma. This message resonates globally because mental health challenges do not discriminate—they touch lives everywhere.
Childhood trauma, in particular, can leave deep scars that carry into adulthood, shaping how individuals navigate their world. UNRAVEL highlights the power of support in addressing these wounds and emphasizes the importance of seeking help, no matter how painful the process may seem. Therapy offers the tools for recovery, not just for individuals but for entire communities.
Mental health is a shared responsibility. By addressing these issues, we contribute to a safer, more resilient society, where people are equipped to overcome their past, break cycles of trauma, and build brighter futures. The well-being of individuals is interconnected with the well-being of the world around them. As we collectively support mental health awareness and access to therapy, we create stronger, more compassionate communities.
UNRAVEL is a call to action, reminding us that mental health matters to everyone, and ensuring that we all have the resources and support to heal is key to creating a safer, more sustainable future for all.
Saeed Moltaji
A determined female reporter in a war-torn Gaza, facing poor internet conditions, decides to take all her memory cards to her colleague in the news agency building. She hopes he can send the videos. She faces obstacles along the way…